Simple Cotton Slip

This is a very simple cotton slip.  It had a real tendency to ravel!!  So I did French seams.

I did a search for a slip pattern to no avail.  Do they not make little cotton slips any more??  

This is a little summer sun dress pattern that I've had and thought it would work...  I would like to find a nice pattern for slips - I'll have to check out the thrift stores for some vintage patterns.

Granddaughter #4 has a beautiful new Christmas dress that has a metallic thread running through it, it sparkles and is so lovely, but she said it was a bit scratchy at the waist.  My thought was a little full slip would be the ticket.

We are going to their house tomorrow.  I'll take it with me and have her try it on so I can attach the should straps in the back where they will fit her.

Needle Books

The four older granddaughters have been wanting to learn to sew.  I thought embroidery would be a good way to start learning their hand stitches.  So Needle Books were in order.

                                      

I am hoping to make cotton slips as well for the girls. 

We'll see if  time allows.

Happy sewing!

Robin

Aprons for Christmas

I planned to go out shopping Friday but we had snow and super slippery roads so I decided that a homemade gift might be in order.

I went through my fabric stash to see what was there and I had success.

I have two gifts that I needed for co-workers.  (I purchased the other gifts last year at the after Christmas sales, shhh, don't tell.)

One co-worker loves pink!  And I like to give usable gifts not just 'stuff'...  So I thought this would work for her.

The other gift was for the name I drew from our Christmas gift exchange.  She likes to bake so I'm hoping this will work for her.

This material was a bit thinner so I decided to line it.

I had a blast making the contrasting and matching bias tape.
Happy sewing, Merry Christmas and Happy Hanukkah!
Robin

Some fun projects for fall.

I really haven't been fitting much sewing into my schedule.  We are busy with the bees, granddaughters, gardening, canning, and working at my 'pay money' job.  This fall I'm sure sewing will begin again.  Some ideas I would like to make for the girls are shown below.  They still love dress-up.  And these are so pretty.


   
     

One More...

I really can sew more than this but I find that I sew what I need.  I started sewing my own under garments a year ago See here  And the truth is I like them better than any I've purchased over the years.  They can be made to individual form. 

So once again this is my sewing challenge garment.  I do plan to branch out a bit in February.  I'm thinking a fun spring skirt would be perfect next month.

 

Cotton cut on the bias.  I line with cotton too. 

Very comfortable and wears well.

Robin

 

Judy, this is the picture of the four pieces.  It really is a basic pattern.  I made a change so I could make a button closure instead of the hook and eye.  I just prefer that.  If you ever decide to make one and want to do the button closure let me know I would be happy to send you my extension pattern. 

 

 

As you can see it really is just a piece of paper to extend the side a bit to give me room for buttons and button holes.

Happy sewing!!

 

 

 

 

A Great Nephew

My baby sister is a grandma!  The pictures have been flying our way via text messaging.  So even though we are on the opposite side of the country we have seen sweet pictures of this little one.

Well what's an aunt to do - head to the sewing machine with some fun flannel.  I love large double sided receiving blankets.  I made them for our granddaughters, have made them for shower gifts and now made a couple more. 

 

 

 1 1/4 yard of 45 inch wide fabric per each side makes a nice square receiving blanket. 

If you buy 1 1/2 yards you'll have enough to make a matching burp cloth.

 

You need 2 contrasting pieces for each blanket.

 

Cut your fabric so it is the same size.  A cutting board and rotary cutter works great for this.

 

Put right sides together and stitch around the outside  - remember to leave 6 to 8 inches open so you can turn the blanket right side out.

 

Press

 

Then I like to do a decorative stitch around the outside edge.  It finishes it off and closes the turning opening up all in one endeavor.

 

Happy sewing!

Robin 

 

 

Burp cloth - ;-)

 

A good twirler

A good twirler.  My girls love twirly skirts/dresses.  This is a good one.  ;-)

The pattern was a bit different as it had a zip in the side.  But went together well. 

 

Again my love of French seams.

The bodice wasn't fully lined just interfacing/facing.

 

No sweaters in the desired colors were found.  I'm sure if we would have driven the four hours to the 'big city' we could have found one but the jean jacket looks darling don't you think.

 

Plus it will be paired with many other fun items in granddaughter #2's closet.

 

 

 

So I think birthday dresses are done until June.  I have had fun making every one of them and thankfully the girls have loved them.

 

Hope you are having a wonderful January and getting some sweet sewing done too.

Robin